Vending machine lock

ABSTRACT

A vending machine ( 10 ) is provided for storing items. The vending machine ( 10 ) includes a lock ( 18 ) to control access to the interior of the vending machine ( 10 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/502,041, filed Sep. 11, 2003, titled Vending Machine Lock, thedisclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. Thisapplication relates to subject matter disclosed in U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 10/000,203, entitled “Vending Machine Lock,” filedNov. 2, 2001, which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/245,352, entitled “Lock,” filed Nov. 2, 2000, toBeylotte et al.; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/276,546, entitled “Lock,” filed on Mar. 16, 2001 to Beylotte et al.,the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

The present invention relates to a lock. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to locks used on vending machines.

According to the present invention, a vending machine is providedincluding one or more of the following features:

a) a lock including a first interactive member, such as a looped rod, asecond interactive member, such as an arm of a C-shaped lock member,that couples with the first interactive member, a motor that drives theC-shaped lock member, and a lost-motion mechanism positioned between theC-shaped lock member and the motor;

b) a ratchet mechanism positioned between a lock member and a motor;and/or

d) a torque converter, such as a gear set, including a lost-motionmechanism positioned between a lock member and a motor.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vending machineis provided that is configured to retain objects for distribution. Thevending machine includes a cabinet defining an interior region sized toreceive the objects for distribution, a door, and a lock. The door iscoupled to the cabinet to move between an opened position permittingaccess to the interior region of the cabinet and a closed positionblocking access to the interior region of the cabinet. At least one ofthe cabinet and door have an opening sized to permit distribution of theobjects while the door is in the closed position. The lock is configuredto move between a locked position blocking movement of the door from theclosed position and an unlocked position permitting movement of the doorfrom the closed position. The lock includes a lock member, a motorconfigured to power movement of the lock member, and a ratchet mechanismpositioned between a lock member and a motor to transfer force from themotor to the lock member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vending machineis provided that is configured to retain objects for distribution. Thevending machine includes a cabinet defining an interior region sized toreceive the objects for distribution, a door, and a lock. The door iscoupled to the cabinet to move between an opened position permittingaccess to the interior region of the cabinet and a closed positionblocking access to the interior region of the cabinet. At least one ofthe cabinet and door have an opening sized to permit distribution of theobjects while the door is in the closed position. The lock is configuredto move between a locked position blocking movement of the door from theclosed position and an unlocked position permitting movement of the doorfrom the closed position. The lock includes a lock member, a motorconfigured to power movement of the lock member, and a lost-motionmechanism including first and second interactive members transferringforce from the motor to the lock member. The first and secondinteractive members have rotational movement therebetween duringmovement of the door of the cabinet to the closed position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vending machineis provided that is configured to retain objects for distribution. Thevending machine includes a cabinet defining an interior region sized toreceive the objects for distribution, a door, and a lock. The door iscoupled to the cabinet to move between an opened position permittingaccess to the interior region of the cabinet and a closed positionblocking access to the interior region of the cabinet. At least one ofthe cabinet and door have an opening sized to permit distribution of theobjects while the door is in the closed position. The lock is configuredto move between a locked position blocking movement of the door from theclosed position and an unlocked position permitting movement of the doorfrom the closed position. The lock includes a lock member, a motorconfigured to power movement of the lock member, and worm gear settransferring force from the motor to the lock member.

Additional features of the invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vending machine showing the vendingmachine including a cabinet (in phantom) and a lock (in solid);

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 1 showing the lockincluding a bent rod and a lock mechanism coupled with the rod andincluding a housing, a C-shaped lock member coupled with the rod, a gearset, and a motor positioned to drive the gear set;

FIG. 3 is top plan view of the lock showing the rod in an unlockedposition relative to the C-shaped lock member;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the rod in a first lockedposition relative to the C-shaped lock member;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the rod in a second lockedposition relative to the C-shaped lock member;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 showingthe C-shaped lock member and the gear set cooperating to define aratchet mechanism; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of the rod and lock mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A vending machine 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Vending machine 10 includes ahousing or cabinet 12 and a closure or door 14 that opens and closesrelative to cabinet 12. Cabinet 12 and door 14 define a chamber orinterior region 16 in which items such as beverages and food may bestored. A seal (not shown) is compressed between cabinet 12 and/or door14 to seal vending machine 10 when door 14 is closed relative to cabinet12. Many of the items stored in vending machine 10 must be refrigeratedand the seal assists in maintaining the refrigerated state of vendingmachine 10.

A lock 18 is provided that blocks movement of door 14 from a closedposition to an opened position. Lock 18 includes a first portion or lockmechanism 20 and a second portion or bent rod 22 that are coupled todoor 14 and cabinet 12, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1.

Door 14 includes a front cover or shroud (not shown) and a perimetersidewall 24. As shown in FIG. 1, first portion 20 of lock 18 is coupledto perimeter sidewall 24 of door 14. Rod 22 includes a looped portion orfirst interactive member 23 and a pair of hooks 25 as shown in FIG. 2.Cabinet 12 includes sidewalls 26 and hooks 25 of rod 22 are coupled toone of sidewalls 26 by bolts (not shown) as shown in FIG. 1. Accordingto alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the lock mechanismis coupled to the cabinet and the rod is coupled to the door.

Lock mechanism 20 and rod 22 of lock 18 are positioned relative to door14 and cabinet 12, respectively, so that lock mechanism 20 and loopedportion 23 of rod 22 interact with each other to secure and seal door 14to cabinet 12. In addition, lock mechanism 20 and rod 22 are coupled tovending machine 10 so that entire lock 18 is positioned within interiorregion 16 of vending machine 10 so that no portion of lock 18 is visibleto an individual looking at the outside of vending machine 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, lock mechanism 20 of lock 18 includes a housing 28,an IR receiver or sensor (not shown), controls (not shown), an electriclock member mover or motor 30, a C-shaped disk or lock member 32, and atorque converter or gear set 34 positioned between motor 30 and lockmember 32. Preferably, an authorized user presents a token, key fob, orother transmitter that sends an IR signal to the IR receiver. Thecontrols then determine whether the user is authorized to access vendingmachine 10.

According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, othertechniques of remote communication or frequencies of remotecommunication are used, such as RF signals using an antenna or otherfrequencies known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionaldisclosure of a suitable antenna assembly and controls is provided inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,203, the disclosure of which isexpressly incorporated by reference herein. According to anotheralternative embodiments, non-remote access is provided using a keypad,mechanical key, or other non-remote access devices known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

When in an unlocked position, shown in FIG. 3, rod 22 is free to movetoward and away from lock member 32 in directions 35, 37, permittingdoor 14 to be opened or closed. When in a first locked position, shownin FIG. 4, a second interactive portion or arm 39 of lock member 32blocks movement of rod 22 preventing door 14 from being opened. Motor 30then powers movement of lock member 32 to a second locked position shownin FIG. 5 wherein lock mechanism 20 and door 14 are cinched or drawncloser to cabinet 12.

Housing 28 is a mount that supports motor 30, lock member 32, and gearset 34 on door 14. Housing 28 includes a base 36 and a cover 38. Base 36and cover 38 cooperate to define a rod-receiving opening 40 and aninterior region 42 as shown in FIG. 2.

Motor 30, lock member 32, and gear set 34 are positioned in interiorregion 42 as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. Motor 30 includes an outerhousing 44 and an output shaft 46 as shown in FIG. 7. Shaft 46 rotatesin one of two directions 48, 50 about an axis 52. According to thepreferred embodiment of the present disclosure, motor 30 is a 24 volt,model RS-380PH electric motor provided by Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd.

As shown in FIG. 3, output shaft 46 transfers the output of motor 30 togear set 34. Gear set 34 transforms the relatively high speed and lowtorque output of motor 30 to lock member 32 at a lower speed and highertorque. Lock member 32 and gear set 34 are coupled together so thatrotation of gear set 34 causes lock member 32 to rotate. According toalternative embodiments of the present disclosure, other torqueconverters are provided such as planetary gear sets, double worm sets,and other torque converters known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Gear set 34 includes first, second, and third gears 54, 56, 58. Shaft 46of motor 30 includes a worm 60 having a thread 62 including a pluralityturns. As shown in FIG. 7, first or worm gear 54 includes a plurality ofouter and inner gear teeth 64, 66 and rotates relative to base 36 andcover 38 about a shaft 68 on base 36. Outer teeth 64 of first gear 54mesh with worm 60. Similarly, second or spur gear 56 includes aplurality outer and inner teeth 70, 72 (shown in FIG. 6) and rotatesrelative to base 36 and cover 38 about a shaft 74. As shown in FIG. 7,outer teeth 70 of second gear 56 mesh with inner teeth 66 of first gear54. Similarly, third or spur gear 58 includes a plurality outer teeth 78and rotates relative to base 36 and cover 38 about a shaft 80. Outerteeth 78 of third gear 58 mesh with inner teeth 72 of second gear 56.The transfer of rotation from worm 60 and inner teeth 66, 72 to outerteeth 64, 70, 78 increases the torque and reduces the speed provided bymotor 30.

Third gear 58 and lock member 32 cooperate to define a lost-motioncoupling or mechanism that permits rotational movement of third gear 58relative to lock member 32. Because of this lost-motion, lock member 32can rotate on shaft 80 without shaft 46 of motor 30 rotating or motor 30being energized. Additionally, motor 30 can rotate shaft 46 and gear set34 without rotating lock member 32.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, thirdgear or first ratchet/interactive member 58 and lock member or secondratchet/interactive member 32 cooperate to define a ratchet mechanism 81that provides the lost motion coupling or mechanism. Thus, a lost motioncoupling or mechanism (ratchet mechanism 81) is provided between adriver (motor 30) and locking first and second interactive members(looped portion 23 of rod 22 and arm 39 of lock member 32) that locktogether two components (door 14 and cabinet 12). According toalternative embodiments of the present disclosure, other lost motioncouplings or mechanisms are provided such a radial clutch with teeth, aradial clutch with a spring, or other lost motion couplings known tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

Ratchet mechanism 81 includes complementary axially extending ratchetteeth 82, 84 on third gear 58 and lock member 32 that permits third gear58 to rotate relative to lock member 32 in direction 88, but blocksrelative movement of third gear 58 and lock member 32 in oppositedirection 86. Ratchet teeth 82, 84 include ramp portions that facilitaterelative movement between lock member 32 and third gear 58 and abutmentportions that facilitate movement of lock member 32 and third gear 58together.

During movement of lock member 32 between the unlocked position, shownin FIG. 3, and the first locked position, shown in FIG. 4, motor 30 isnot energized and lock member 32 rotates in direction 86 about axis ofrotation 98. During this movement, shaft 46 of motor 30 does not rotateand blocks rotation of third gear 58. Because lock member 32 is rotatingand third gear 58 is not rotating, the ramp portions of lock member 32ride over the ramp portions of third gear 58. To facilitate thismovement, third gear 58 is permitted to slide down shaft 80 in direction100 against the bias of a wave washer or biasing member/spring 102 asshown in FIG. 6. According to alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other biasing members are provided such as a compressionspring, flexible tabs defining the ratchet teeth, a Bellville washer,polymeric elastomer, beam spring incorporated into the base, or otherbiasing members known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Ratchet teeth 82, 84 permit lock member 32 to be pushed toward the firstlocked position by rod 22 without having to rotate gear set 34 or shaft46 of motor 30. According to alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other ratchet mechanisms are provided such as thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,325,233 to Harris; RE037,776 to Foltz;6,179,148 to Harris; 5,110,003 to MacWilliams, the disclosures of whichare expressly incorporated by reference herein. According to anotheralternative embodiment, the ratchet teeth may extend radially inwardlyand outwardly rather than axially.

To fully compress the seal positioned between door 14 and cabinet 12,lock 18 cinches or tightens door 14 further closed. The control systemof lock 18 includes a limit switch (not shown). When lock member 32rotates through a predetermined angle, the limit switch moves betweenopened and closed positions. The control system detects this movementand provides power to motor 30. After rod 22 moves lock member 32through a predetermined angle, motor 30 begins to turn shaft 46. Shaft46 turns gear set 34. Third gear 58 rotates lock member 32 in direction86 to pull lock member 22 to the second locked position shown in FIG. 5.This movement causes the seal to be further compressed. During thismovement, the abutment portions of third gear 58 and lock member 32 abuteach other to block relative movement of third gear 58 and lock member32 so that third gear 58 and lock member 32 rotate together.

The control system is configured to stop motor 30 when the seal isadequately compressed. As motor 30 rotates lock member 32 in direction86, the seal compresses and provides increasing resistance to furthermovement. As the resistance to movement increases, motor 30 drawsadditional electric current. The control system monitors the electriccurrent drawn by motor 30 and shuts off the voltage to motor 30 when apredetermined current draw is reached. To determine the predeterminedcurrent draw, the current drawn by motor 30 is measured and recordedwhen the seal is adequately compressed. This measured current draw isthen programmed into the control system for use in determining when tostop motor 30 from rotating.

To open door 14 of vending machine 10, a user presents a token, remotekey, or key fob in the vicinity of the IR sensor (not shown) or opening(not shown) in cabinet 12 piping the IR signal to the optical sensor. Ifthe control system determines that the token, remote key, or key fob isauthorized to access vending machine 10, the control system instructsmotor 30 to rotate shaft 46 in the opposite direction. Shaft 46 thenrotates gear set 34. In particular, third gear 58 rotates lock member 32in direction 88. During this rotation, spring 102 presses the rampportions of ratchet teeth 82, 84 together to hamper the ramp portionsfrom sliding over each other. During rotation, lock member 32 contactsthe limit switch and moves it between the opened and closed position.The control system detects this movement and continues to power motor 30for a predetermined period of time to move lock member 32 to theunlocked position as shown in FIG. 3. Once the predetermined timeexpires, the control system cuts the voltage supply to motor 30. Becauselock member 32 is in the unlocked position and rod 22 is free to bewithdrawn, door 14 can be opened. If lock member 32 reaches the unlockedposition before the time expires, the ramp portions of teeth 82, 84 rideover each other so that lock member 32 ceases further rotation as motor30 continues to rotate gear set 34. For example, according to oneembodiment, arm 39 of lock member 32 strikes a stop on cover 38 or thelimit switch which blocks further rotation of lock member 32 while thirdgear 58 continues to rotate.

Because of ratchet mechanism 81, precise alignment of lock member 32relative to third gear 34 is not necessary. Regardless of which ratchetteeth 84 of lock member 32 align with which ratchet teeth 82 of thirdgear 58, lock 18 will properly couple and uncouple rod 22. Thus, ifthird gear 58 rotates an extra 180° or any other amount after lockmember 32 has reached the unlocked position shown in FIG. 3, ratchetteeth 82, 84 will align and permit coupling and uncoupling of rod 22.

Unless otherwise stated herein, the figures are proportional. Althoughthe invention has been described in detail with reference to a certainillustrated embodiment, variations and modifications exist within thescope and spirit of the present invention as described and defined inthe following claims.

1. A vending machine configured to retain objects for distribution, thevending machine comprising a cabinet defining an interior region sizedto receive the objects for distribution, a door coupled to the cabinetto move between an opened position permitting access to the interiorregion of the cabinet and a closed position blocking access to theinterior region of the cabinet, at least one of the cabinet and doorhaving an opening sized to permit distribution of the objects while thedoor is in the closed position, and a lock configured to move between alocked position blocking movement of the door from the closed positionand an unlocked position permitting movement of the door from the closedposition, the lock including a lock member, a motor configured to powermovement of the lock member, and a ratchet mechanism positioned betweena lock member and a motor to transfer force from the motor to the lockmember.
 2. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the ratchet mechanismincludes first and second ratchet members positioned rotate relative toone another during movement of the door to the closed position.
 3. Thevending machine of claim 2, wherein the first ratchet member transfersforce from the motor to the lock member during movement of the lock fromthe locked position to the unlocked position.
 4. The vending machine ofclaim 3, wherein the first ratchet member transfers force from the motorto the lock member during at least a portion of the movement of the lockfrom the unlocked position to the locked position.
 5. The vendingmachine of claim 1, further comprising a gear set positioned between theratchet mechanism and the motor.
 6. The vending machine of claim 5,wherein the gear set includes a plurality of spur gears.
 7. The vendingmachine of claim 5, wherein the gear set includes a worm.
 8. A vendingmachine configured to retain objects for distribution, the vendingmachine comprising a cabinet defining an interior region sized toreceive the objects for distribution, a door coupled to the cabinet tomove between an opened position permitting access to the interior regionof the cabinet and a closed position blocking access to the interiorregion of the cabinet, at least one of the cabinet and door having anopening sized to permit distribution of the objects while the door is inthe closed position, and a lock configured to move between a lockedposition blocking movement of the door from the closed position and anunlocked position permitting movement of the door from the closedposition, the lock including a lock member, a motor configured to powermovement of the lock member, and a lost-motion mechanism including firstand second interactive members transferring force from the motor to thelock member, the first and second interactive members having rotationalmovement therebetween during movement of the door of the cabinet to theclosed position.
 9. The vending machine of claim 8, wherein first andsecond interactive members include a plurality of axially extendingteeth that interact.
 10. The vending machine of claim 8, wherein thefirst and second interactive members rotate together during movement ofthe lock toward the unlocked position.
 11. The vending machine of claim10, wherein the first and second interactive members rotate togetherduring at least a portion of the movement of the lock toward the lockedposition.
 12. The vending machine of claim 8, wherein the motorincluding a housing and a shaft and the shaft is stationary relative tothe housing during rotational movement between the first and secondinteractive members.
 13. The vending machine of claim 12, wherein theshaft rotates relative to the housing during rotation of the first andsecond interactive members together.
 14. The vending machine of claim 8,wherein the lock further includes a spring positioned to bias the firstand second interactive members together.
 15. A vending machineconfigured to retain objects for distribution, the vending machinecomprising a cabinet defining an interior region sized to receive theobjects for distribution, a door coupled to the cabinet to move betweenan opened position permitting access to the interior region of thecabinet and a closed position blocking access to the interior region ofthe cabinet, at least one of the cabinet and door having an openingsized to permit distribution of the objects while the door is in theclosed position, and a lock configured to move between a locked positionblocking movement of the door from the closed position and an unlockedposition permitting movement of the door from the closed position, thelock including a lock member, a motor configured to power movement ofthe lock member, and worm gear set transferring force from the motor tothe lock member.
 16. The vending machine of claim 15, wherein the lockfurther includes a plurality of spur gears positioned between the motorand the lock member to transfer force from the motor to the lock member.17. The vending machine of claim 16, wherein the motor includes ahousing and a shaft and the worm gear set includes and worm coupled tothe shaft and a worm gear in engagement with the worm.
 18. The vendingmachine of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of spur gearspositioned between the worm gear set and the lock member.
 19. Thevending machine of claim 18, wherein the worm gear set is positionedbetween the motor and the spur gears to transfer force therebetween. 20.The vending machine of claim 15, wherein the lock further comprising alost-motion mechanism that permits movement of the lock member when theworm gear set is stationary.